****OFFICIAL 2009 Off Season Washington Redskins Thread**** (2 Viewers)

[GoBirds]

Ryan O'Halloran projects the starting lineups here: Link

OFFENSE

QB: Jason Campbell

RB: Clinton Portis

FB: Mike Sellers

LT: Chris Samuels

LG: Derrick Dockery

C: Casey Rabach

RG: Randy Thomas

RT: Jon Jansen OR Stephon Heyer. Jim Zorn will probably open this competition up at the start of training camp.

E: Chris Cooley

WR:Santana Moss

WR:Antwaan Randle El

DEFENSE

DE:Andre Carter

DT:Albert Haynesworth

DT:Cornelius Griffin

DE:Jason Taylor

SLB:?????. The Redskins should address this spot in the first round but also have a veteran ready to go as a stop gap in case the youngster isn't ready to go.

MLB:London Fletcher

WLB:Rocky McIntosh

CBeAngelo Hall

CB:Carlos Rogers

S:LaRon Landry

S:Chris Horton

SPECIAL TEAMS

P:????. Don't you think it's time for the Redskins to sign somebody?

K: Dave Rayner or Shaun Suisham. Another competition that will make the preseason a little interesting.

Paper Champions once again!

 

[T Bell]

Ryan O'Halloran projects the starting lineups here: Link

OFFENSE

QB: Jason Campbell

RB: Clinton Portis

FB: Mike Sellers

LT: Chris Samuels

LG: Derrick Dockery

C: Casey Rabach

RG: Randy Thomas

RT: Jon Jansen OR Stephon Heyer. Jim Zorn will probably open this competition up at the start of training camp.

E: Chris Cooley

WR:Santana Moss

WR:Antwaan Randle El

DEFENSE

DE:Andre Carter

DT:Albert Haynesworth

DT:Cornelius Griffin

DE:Jason Taylor

SLB:?????. The Redskins should address this spot in the first round but also have a veteran ready to go as a stop gap in case the youngster isn't ready to go.

MLB:London Fletcher

WLB:Rocky McIntosh

CBeAngelo Hall

CB:Carlos Rogers

S:LaRon Landry

S:Chris Horton

SPECIAL TEAMS

P:????. Don't you think it's time for the Redskins to sign somebody?

K: Dave Rayner or Shaun Suisham. Another competition that will make the preseason a little interesting.

Paper Champions once again!

Yeah, too bad they can't be frugal and build through the draft and win championships like the Eagles do.

 

[GoBirds]

Ryan O'Halloran projects the starting lineups here: Link

OFFENSE

QB: Jason Campbell

RB: Clinton Portis

FB: Mike Sellers

LT: Chris Samuels

LG: Derrick Dockery

C: Casey Rabach

RG: Randy Thomas

RT: Jon Jansen OR Stephon Heyer. Jim Zorn will probably open this competition up at the start of training camp.

E: Chris Cooley

WR:Santana Moss

WR:Antwaan Randle El

DEFENSE

DE:Andre Carter

DT:Albert Haynesworth

DT:Cornelius Griffin

DE:Jason Taylor

SLB:?????. The Redskins should address this spot in the first round but also have a veteran ready to go as a stop gap in case the youngster isn't ready to go.

MLB:London Fletcher

WLB:Rocky McIntosh

CBeAngelo Hall

CB:Carlos Rogers

S:LaRon Landry

S:Chris Horton

SPECIAL TEAMS

P:????. Don't you think it's time for the Redskins to sign somebody?

K: Dave Rayner or Shaun Suisham. Another competition that will make the preseason a little interesting.

Paper Champions once again!

Yeah, too bad they can't be frugal and build through the draft and win championships like the Eagles do.

....or even make the playoffs......or not finish in the NFC East cellar.

This is the year it works......really.

 

[southeastjerome]

Ryan O'Halloran projects the starting lineups here: Link

OFFENSE

QB: Jason Campbell

RB: Clinton Portis

FB: Mike Sellers

LT: Chris Samuels

LG: Derrick Dockery

C: Casey Rabach

RG: Randy Thomas

RT: Jon Jansen OR Stephon Heyer. Jim Zorn will probably open this competition up at the start of training camp.

E: Chris Cooley

WR:Santana Moss

WR:Antwaan Randle El

DEFENSE

DE:Andre Carter

DT:Albert Haynesworth

DT:Cornelius Griffin

DE:Jason Taylor

SLB:?????. The Redskins should address this spot in the first round but also have a veteran ready to go as a stop gap in case the youngster isn't ready to go.

MLB:London Fletcher

WLB:Rocky McIntosh

CBeAngelo Hall

CB:Carlos Rogers

S:LaRon Landry

S:Chris Horton

SPECIAL TEAMS

P:????. Don't you think it's time for the Redskins to sign somebody?

K: Dave Rayner or Shaun Suisham. Another competition that will make the preseason a little interesting.

Paper Champions once again!

Yeah, too bad they can't be frugal and build through the draft and win championships like the Eagles do.

....or even make the playoffs......or not finish in the NFC East cellar.

This is the year it works......really.

Maybe Philly will win a game against this Skins on 2009.

 

[Sebowski]

Last year's draft is going to be very important for success next year. At least one of the three pass catchers to step up, as does Rhinehart. Rob Jackson needs to prove that he is not just a project. The more I thin about it the more I want a LB at 13 and a T in the third. Thinking of starting Fincher or Baldes at OLB is giving me Warrick Holdman flash backs and I don't like it. I do like Blades, but I don't want to see him starting on the outside.

I agree that they need a LB, but Rinehart seems far far away from stepping up and I think he may end up a total bust. After the first preseason game last year he got some good words from the coaching staff, but in the other games he was bad and embarrassing. It will be a very big deal whether Thomas and/or Kelly step up this year.

Linemen. They need linemen. They still need linemen and they are going to need linemen. That's where their draft focus needs to be. I have no problem getting a LB later on, particularly if they trade down, but their primary draft resources need to be spent on the lines.

If we get a LB at 13 we will be in a position to be able to spend every pick on linemen next year, and linemen have better chances of producing right away. We can win while building doing it this way (I hope). We just need health to be on our side this year.

 

[buster c]

Vinnie, for what you paid for Hall to eventually divide your locker room, you could have signed two starting linemen and still paid Dock and Albert.

You missed the parts where the players say Hall's a good locker room guy, and the coaches say the same thing. Really man, you've got some good and valid criticisms of the Skins, ones that several of us have agreed with for years. But you're also off the wall and completely wrong about some other ones. You've got to separate them. I can list 15 bad things the front office has done over the years. I dislike the front office. I've badmouthed them as much as anyone here has over the years when I thought they were screwing up. But the Hall signing is a good one by all indications. Someone else would've paid him more than that, and on critical late-game plays we'd have Springs on the bench hurt, Smoot playing hurt or on the bench hurt, Rogers, Tryon, and Torrence. That's at least 2 TD's given up if you have an inadequate pass rush. And guess what the Redskins have always had? An inadequate pass rush. A good defense needs a strong line, and you can never have enough good cornerbacks. Never. Cornerbacks are the last line of defense on game-changing plays. Dockery is a BIG upgrade for the O-line. They got him MUCH cheaper than the money Buffalo paid him 2 years ago. Shark move there, with no draft picks wasted. The biggest potential failure for the front office last year and this year (so far) is the failure of anyone in last year's draft class to step up besides Chris Horton. If those guys fail again to produce this year the Skins are fairly screwed. And if this year's draft is similar, this year and next will get ugly as the inevitable injuries occur. That's why the front office can rightly be criticized for drafting so few linemen last year, because that's what we need more of now.Oh and by the way, we got 2 linemen already.

I didn't miss that - of course the players are going to say he was a good guy. it's a rarity when they say otherwise (unless you're D. Hall in Atl or D. Hall in Oak). I'll give you that he probably was a good guy on the Skins. What you need to understand is that this was for 7 games and he was on his best behavior because he wanted to get paid! I'm repeating myself. I'll reiterate for the last time too that with the DL we have, we do not have the luxury of paying as much as we did for Hall. you spend the money and picks on the line (really, the front 7) and the DB's are better because of it. in the meantime, you bottom feed for the D.Bly's and D.Florences of the world. BUILD FROM THE INSIDE-OUTI like bringing back DD for insetion at one guard spot. I'd re-up Kendall for the other spot. Cut Thomas and Jensen - they're done. Rabach needs replacing. Draft the top OL and keep drafting them.

 

[fatness]

On a slightly different note, one of our favorite Redskin hit-and-run bashers won't be here for a little while.

Thankfully most Cowboy fans on this board are not like that turd.

 

[fatness]

I'm repeating myself.

Yes, you are, and you're not convincing me any more than I'm convincing you. The fact is that if Hall plays well be'll both be happy and if he doesn't we'll both be pissed off, just like any other Redskin. Neither one of us is real tolerant of bad performances on the field. Thomas is still better than Kendall and if one of them goes it should be Kendall. I'm not happy with either Jansen or Heyer at starting tackle, but Jansen is old and fading so that tips the scales in my mind towards Heyer. And I agree with you and others, this draft has to be about drafting linemen, both offensive and defensive. Unfortunately the Skins have drafted far too few of them for years, and no one year's draft can make up that deficit. But this year's draft should be a start on it.

 

[southeastjerome]

On a slightly different note, one of our favorite Redskin hit-and-run bashers won't be here for a little while.

Thankfully most Cowboy fans on this board are not like that turd.

He's said a lot of dumb things, but that's bad even for him.

 

[thayman]

NYG signed Canty for $42 million with $17.25 million guaranteed. I'd rather have Haynesworth at his $100 million deal than that.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

 

[T Bell]

NYG signed Canty for $42 million with $17.25 million guaranteed. I'd rather have Haynesworth at his $100 million deal than that.

Canty = Phillip Daniels five years ago . . . maybe. Dollar for dollar the 'Skins got the better deal.

 

[thayman]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

6-8 quality games per year.

 

[T Bell]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

6-8 quality games per year.

Springs still has the cover skills that would place him among the top 20-30 starting CB's in the league . . . if he's healthy. He can still shut down large, physical WR's like TO in single coverage as he showed early last year @ Dallas, for example. Unfortunately, his ability to stay healthy is a major problem. You don't want your team to have to count on him starting for 16 games.

 

[southeastjerome]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

Springs has been very good, when he plays. It seems he won't play thru a jammed toe. I'm probably being harsh, but it seems he wouldn't play thru injuries at all. The skins flirted with the idea of an eventual move to safety for him, so he offers flexability. I think he'd be a good pickup for a team like the pats.

 

[buster c]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

6-8 quality games per year.

Springs still has the cover skills that would place him among the top 20-30 starting CB's in the league . . . if he's healthy. He can still shut down large, physical WR's like TO in single coverage as he showed early last year @ Dallas, for example. Unfortunately, his ability to stay healthy is a major problem. You don't want your team to have to count on him starting for 16 games.

yet, TO torched him for 4 scores in 2007, iirc, so last year's "shut down" may have had a little to do with TO's reduced skills as much as SS's play. I always felt safer with him on the field, but the Skins did the right thing by not paying him $6m for 2009. What I'd like to know is whether he was open to staying here at a reduced deal. or if the Skins even offered that option. we know he's not going to get $6m on the open market. but whatever deal he strikes with another team - would he have let the Skins match?

 

[T Bell]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

6-8 quality games per year.

Springs still has the cover skills that would place him among the top 20-30 starting CB's in the league . . . if he's healthy. He can still shut down large, physical WR's like TO in single coverage as he showed early last year @ Dallas, for example. Unfortunately, his ability to stay healthy is a major problem. You don't want your team to have to count on him starting for 16 games.

yet, TO torched him for 4 scores in 2007, iirc, so last year's "shut down" may have had a little to do with TO's reduced skills as much as SS's play. I always felt safer with him on the field, but the Skins did the right thing by not paying him $6m for 2009. What I'd like to know is whether he was open to staying here at a reduced deal. or if the Skins even offered that option. we know he's not going to get $6m on the open market. but whatever deal he strikes with another team - would he have let the Skins match?

I can't remember Springs' performance one way or the other in 2007, but he was recovering from hernia surgery. Also, the thing that stood out to me in that game was a depleted secondary that had Doughty repeatedly getting burned deep. I don't recall the blame falling on Springs who may not have had coverage responsibility for TO in that game.As for the contract, Springs had always made it clear over the years that he would not renegotiate or accept less. That made things pretty simple for a team that needed to clear his cap space.

 

[Sebowski]

He never had a great attitude either. Not necessarily a bad one, but something was always off for me with him. I would have liked to see him come back cheap as a safety, but I will not miss him. He had some awesome games with the Skins though. Great yards after catch.

 

[fatness]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

When he's healthy his cover skills are pretty good. But he usually gives you 6-8 healthy games a year, maybe 2 more games playing hurt at a reduced level, and that's it. Good locker room guy, respected. But too high paid for how often he plays.

 

[dgreen]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

6-8 quality games per year.

Springs still has the cover skills that would place him among the top 20-30 starting CB's in the league . . . if he's healthy. He can still shut down large, physical WR's like TO in single coverage as he showed early last year @ Dallas, for example. Unfortunately, his ability to stay healthy is a major problem. You don't want your team to have to count on him starting for 16 games.

yet, TO torched him for 4 scores in 2007, iirc, so last year's "shut down" may have had a little to do with TO's reduced skills as much as SS's play. I always felt safer with him on the field, but the Skins did the right thing by not paying him $6m for 2009. What I'd like to know is whether he was open to staying here at a reduced deal. or if the Skins even offered that option. we know he's not going to get $6m on the open market. but whatever deal he strikes with another team - would he have let the Skins match?

I can't remember Springs' performance one way or the other in 2007, but he was recovering from hernia surgery. Also, the thing that stood out to me in that game was a depleted secondary that had Doughty repeatedly getting burned deep. I don't recall the blame falling on Springs who may not have had coverage responsibility for TO in that game.As for the contract, Springs had always made it clear over the years that he would not renegotiate or accept less. That made things pretty simple for a team that needed to clear his cap space.

The Skins were playing a fairly effective zone in the first half of that game. In the second half, Dallas made an adjustment and found holes in the zone. The hole just happened to be exactly where Doughty was standing. That was their first game after Taylor's injury. I'd hardly blame that TO performance on Springs.

 

[buster c]

Skins fans, with apologies for the hijack, Springs is visiting the Patriots. Does he have anything left?

6-8 quality games per year.

Springs still has the cover skills that would place him among the top 20-30 starting CB's in the league . . . if he's healthy. He can still shut down large, physical WR's like TO in single coverage as he showed early last year @ Dallas, for example. Unfortunately, his ability to stay healthy is a major problem. You don't want your team to have to count on him starting for 16 games.

yet, TO torched him for 4 scores in 2007, iirc, so last year's "shut down" may have had a little to do with TO's reduced skills as much as SS's play. I always felt safer with him on the field, but the Skins did the right thing by not paying him $6m for 2009. What I'd like to know is whether he was open to staying here at a reduced deal. or if the Skins even offered that option. we know he's not going to get $6m on the open market. but whatever deal he strikes with another team - would he have let the Skins match?

I can't remember Springs' performance one way or the other in 2007, but he was recovering from hernia surgery. Also, the thing that stood out to me in that game was a depleted secondary that had Doughty repeatedly getting burned deep. I don't recall the blame falling on Springs who may not have had coverage responsibility for TO in that game.As for the contract, Springs had always made it clear over the years that he would not renegotiate or accept less. That made things pretty simple for a team that needed to clear his cap space.

The Skins were playing a fairly effective zone in the first half of that game. In the second half, Dallas made an adjustment and found holes in the zone. The hole just happened to be exactly where Doughty was standing. That was their first game after Taylor's injury. I'd hardly blame that TO performance on Springs.

fine, blame it on the zone. all I remember is seeing 24 chasing him into the end zone.I'm with the crowd on this: when healthy, SS is among the very best cover guys out there.

 

[buster c]

He never had a great attitude either. Not necessarily a bad one, but something was always off for me with him. I would have liked to see him come back cheap as a safety, but I will not miss him. He had some awesome games with the Skins though. Great yards after catch.

I got the same feel. Wasn't he the suspected "leak" for Tom Friend's expose after the 06 campaign, sharing all the dysfunctional aspects of Gregggg and the team? Also, on 980 last week, he already seemed ready to defend his yet-to-be-made move to the Cowgurls, telling Doc that he 'grew up wearing Cowboy pajamas.' Also said he'd like to play for the Eagles. Said he couldn't wait to come back to FedEx and beat the Skins.

 

[Marvelous]

He never had a great attitude either. Not necessarily a bad one, but something was always off for me with him. I would have liked to see him come back cheap as a safety, but I will not miss him. He had some awesome games with the Skins though. Great yards after catch.

I got the same feel. Wasn't he the suspected "leak" for Tom Friend's expose after the 06 campaign, sharing all the dysfunctional aspects of Gregggg and the team? Also, on 980 last week, he already seemed ready to defend his yet-to-be-made move to the Cowgurls, telling Doc that he 'grew up wearing Cowboy pajamas.' Also said he'd like to play for the Eagles. Said he couldn't wait to come back to FedEx and beat the Skins.

The leak was almost certainly Adam Archuleta. I thought Springs to the Cowboys is a natural fit. His Dad is in Dallas and severely ill (I think he is in a coma).

 

[fatness]

LaCanfora on holes the Redskins have to fill

Dockery moves back into the left guard spot alongside his buddy, Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels. Casey Rabach is entrenched at center and the Redskins hope right guard Randy Thomas fully recovers from surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. That leaves right tackle, where the team is determined to upgrade, league sources said.

The Redskins want to replace Jon Jansen for good, believing he was the weakest link on a unit that broke down in the second half. During offseason meetings at the complex, the Redskins determined the ineffective play of the offensive line was among the biggest factors in the team's 2-6 slide.

Although some in the organization believe third-year tackle Stephon Heyer could be better than average as a full-time starter, others are not so sure, and the consensus is that the Redskins must attempt to find another option from outside the complex. After the team's record 24-hour spending spree, there's no cap room remaining at this point to pursue the type of rising, athletic tackles Coach Jim Zorn would want to help execute his version of the West Coast offense.

The Redskins only have four draft picks, including the 13th overall selection, and they are expected to draft a tackle. For depth purposes, the Redskins also still are in the market for a center who can play guard.

Washington also needs two to three linebackers and another defensive end. The Redskins are expected to experiment with end Jason Taylor as a linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, which should be interesting.

 

[T Bell]

Washington also needs two to three linebackers and another defensive end. The Redskins are expected to experiment with end Jason Taylor as a linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, which should be interesting.

This sounds like they're going to dabble with a hybrid-3-4 scheme at least at times during games. With Haynesworth that makes some sense given his versatility. Carter also played in such a scheme in SF as a OLB, but didn't excel in it.

 

[Marvelous]

LaCanfora on holes the Redskins have to fill

Dockery moves back into the left guard spot alongside his buddy, Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels. Casey Rabach is entrenched at center and the Redskins hope right guard Randy Thomas fully recovers from surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. That leaves right tackle, where the team is determined to upgrade, league sources said.

The Redskins want to replace Jon Jansen for good, believing he was the weakest link on a unit that broke down in the second half. During offseason meetings at the complex, the Redskins determined the ineffective play of the offensive line was among the biggest factors in the team's 2-6 slide.

Although some in the organization believe third-year tackle Stephon Heyer could be better than average as a full-time starter, others are not so sure, and the consensus is that the Redskins must attempt to find another option from outside the complex. After the team's record 24-hour spending spree, there's no cap room remaining at this point to pursue the type of rising, athletic tackles Coach Jim Zorn would want to help execute his version of the West Coast offense.

The Redskins only have four draft picks, including the 13th overall selection, and they are expected to draft a tackle. For depth purposes, the Redskins also still are in the market for a center who can play guard.

Washington also needs two to three linebackers and another defensive end. The Redskins are expected to experiment with end Jason Taylor as a linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, which should be interesting.

Seems like they should seriously consider cutting a player so they can sign the OT from Seattle, if they think he is any good. But wait, they just restructured everyone and gave them their moeny up front. They lose a lot of roster flexibility with the continual contract restructurings. The most likely candidated would be Griffin and Carter, who were just restuctured, and Jansen, who had a large cap hit due to previous contract restructures. Maybe they could cut Todd Collins and move Colt up to #2.

Also, by waiting, prices for free agents will come down. Maybe they'll be able to sign a decent contributor on the cheap later in the offseason.

 

[T Bell]

LaCanfora on holes the Redskins have to fill

Dockery moves back into the left guard spot alongside his buddy, Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels. Casey Rabach is entrenched at center and the Redskins hope right guard Randy Thomas fully recovers from surgery to repair a bulging disc in his neck. That leaves right tackle, where the team is determined to upgrade, league sources said.

The Redskins want to replace Jon Jansen for good, believing he was the weakest link on a unit that broke down in the second half. During offseason meetings at the complex, the Redskins determined the ineffective play of the offensive line was among the biggest factors in the team's 2-6 slide.

Although some in the organization believe third-year tackle Stephon Heyer could be better than average as a full-time starter, others are not so sure, and the consensus is that the Redskins must attempt to find another option from outside the complex. After the team's record 24-hour spending spree, there's no cap room remaining at this point to pursue the type of rising, athletic tackles Coach Jim Zorn would want to help execute his version of the West Coast offense.

The Redskins only have four draft picks, including the 13th overall selection, and they are expected to draft a tackle. For depth purposes, the Redskins also still are in the market for a center who can play guard.

Washington also needs two to three linebackers and another defensive end. The Redskins are expected to experiment with end Jason Taylor as a linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, which should be interesting.

Seems like they should seriously consider cutting a player so they can sign the OT from Seattle, if they think he is any good. But wait, they just restructured everyone and gave them their moeny up front. They lose a lot of roster flexibility with the continual contract restructurings. The most likely candidated would be Griffin and Carter, who were just restuctured, and Jansen, who had a large cap hit due to previous contract restructures. Maybe they could cut Todd Collins and move Colt up to #2.

Also, by waiting, prices for free agents will come down. Maybe they'll be able to sign a decent contributor on the cheap later in the offseason.

I can't imagine that that Seattle OT, who I've only seen mentioned in reports about the Redskins, is going to command a large signing bonus. I have a feeling they could still sign him.

 

[nittanylion]

Springs' departure is addition by subtraction, from a locker room perspective, as I've heard from the folks I know with some inside knowledge. For the last few Seasons he's played here only because he's being paid to - there's no passion for the Redskins or the game left in him. Not the kind of Player I'd imagine a young, fresh Coach, who himself was a Player, wants around a Team he's trying to take to the next level.

The phrase above: "He never had a great attitude either. Not necessarily a bad one, but something was always off for me with him.", does a nice job of summing things up.

In addition to the common nickname 'Blue' bestowed upon him by his Team-mates,(interestingly derived from the idea that his skin is so dark that he's so black, he's blue), among the Coaches and Vets on the Team, over the past few years, he'd acquired a new nickname - 'Prima Donna', due to his high salary, lack of passion, and lackadaisical attitude about timely rehab, recovery and return to the field when injured.

I don't mind a guy who is hesitant about coming back until he's 100%, but when he's not pushing every day to get to 100% as quickly as humanly possible, well, that's a problem. The worst of it is he was ALLOWED to acquire this attitude - this 'Sense of Entitlement', he displayed, and it was beginning to fester.

Take 'Hip-Hip, HOORAY' for example: There were Players who 'got it', enjoyed the moment, and got pumped up by it. Springs had turned into the guy that just rolls his eyes and goes back to showering, getting dressed, and getting out ASAP. Being a Redskin had become 'just a job'.

Call me an rugged idealist (most who know me well do just that), but I want 'Redskins Passion' first, and at least 'Football Passion' second. If you're just punching a time-card and receiving a paycheck, well, 'don't let the door hitcha where the Good Lord splitcha'.

I was pretty pumped when he joined the Team, seeing as how at the time he was certainly a #1 CB, and he went to HS locally (Springbrook HS), and knew something about the 'Golden Age' of the Redskins thanks to his Dad's career, and had been an eyewitness to Gibbs 1.0, and the goings-on back in the day at RFK Stadium. Just the sentimental fool in me, I guess.

The conspiracy theorist in me always had an issue with Springs, though - due to his bloodline being directly connected to Dallas Cowboy Ron Springs. There are many here among us who feel that anything Cowboys-related is anathema to the well-being of the Team.

Realistically, however, Springs offered us a true #1 CB right from the start, but it became apparent fairly early in his career here that he was increasingly succeptible to injury, and as time went by, it appeared that both minor injuries were taking a bigger toll on him than expected, and his recovery period from his injuries was lengthening, rendering him a part-time Player (albeit a very good one, when healthy) at best.

With Springs gone, when Haynesworth shows up in the locker room, he's going to be greeted by a Veteran Core Leadership Group comprised of Portis, Samuels, Griffin and Fletcher, among others, who have passion and want to do whatever it takes to Win. I feel much better about the Haynesworth signing and contract with Springs and his attitude out of the picture.

Sadly, I'd imagine if Springs winds up with the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Ravens or Patriots, he'll be introduced to quite a different locker room environment, with strong leadership and a winning attitude already in place (well, maybe not in Dallas), and we'll likely see him perform at a higher Level in that environment than we could have hoped to have gotten out of him if he spent any more time in Washington.

By the way, I'd trade our whole Draft this year for a competent GM...

...I'm willing to wait until OTA's begin to give them some benefit of the doubt, but I think we'd all better be ready to face the music that NO Players in the 2008 Draft Class besides Horton will have any more impact on the Team than as 'key reserves' or Special Teams contributors. If it weren't for Kelly's knees, I'd have hope for him, and I remain hopeful about Davis because I keep hearing promising things. Does Devin Thomas magically get smarter? Does Chad Rinehard regain his self-confidence? Everyone else is a project at best, and not short-term ones, at that.

 

[fatness]

This sounds like they're going to dabble with a hybrid-3-4 scheme at least at times during games. With Haynesworth that makes some sense given his versatility. Carter also played in such a scheme in SF as a OLB, but didn't excel in it.

I didn't get that sense at all, especially since they terribly short of linebackers. I got the sense that Taylor is a flop at DE so they're trying him as a pass-rushing LB, hoping that increased line pressure will create openings for him. He can't stop the run, and he can't get to the QB with minimal pressure from the DT's. Maybe he'll work out at DE this year but I'm not optimistic. I think he's done, and his salary ought to be jettisoned to bring back Philip Daniels, perhaps the O-lineman from Seattle, some LB's, our draft picks.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

This sounds like they're going to dabble with a hybrid-3-4 scheme at least at times during games. With Haynesworth that makes some sense given his versatility. Carter also played in such a scheme in SF as a OLB, but didn't excel in it.

I didn't get that sense at all, especially since they terribly short of linebackers. I got the sense that Taylor is a flop at DE so they're trying him as a pass-rushing LB, hoping that increased line pressure will create openings for him. He can't stop the run, and he can't get to the QB with minimal pressure from the DT's. Maybe he'll work out at DE this year but I'm not optimistic. I think he's done, and his salary ought to be jettisoned to bring back Philip Daniels, perhaps the O-lineman from Seattle, some LB's, our draft picks.

Taylor was injured for the first time in his career. Whether that was a one-time aberration or a sign that age has caught up to him remains to be seen. It's also an open question as to whether he's worth the money to bring him back. The point here is that I don't think it's a certainty that his skills are gone as a pass rusher. The major problem with Taylor is that he's another Carter, and we already have one of those. I'm pretty ambivalent about returning Taylor, especially when his money could be used to both resign Evans and sign that OT from Seattle in all likelihood.

 

[fatness]

I think Evans is more help to the team than Taylor.

 

[Bizkiteer]

I think Evans is more help to the team than Taylor.

Completely disagree and I think your statement comes more from being disenchanted than anything else. Comparing Evans and Taylor from last year is unfair by wide margins. Evans is like a 3rd down back...yes the yds per carry go up because they are playing back in nickle and don't mind giving up 6 yds on 3rd and 18, if you get my point. Evans basically only came in on 3rd down and got to rush the passer only, makes life easier in many regards. Taylor was handicapped severely last year as he was playing LDE for the first time and was injured throughout the season. Add those two issues and that he got into our scheme late and no wonder he had his worst season ever. It still amazes me that the 'Skins defensive coaching staff took one of the best RDE's in the game and moved him to LDE...last I checked Carter wasn't all that and a bag of chips, Carter should have been the one to move and let JT play his natural position that made him the Pro-Bowl DE that everyone was used to seeing through his career. Even hurt, I liked seeing JT pursue RB's even after the LOS and try to chase them down, he rarely ever gave up and that was basically running on one leg. I give JT a mulligan on last season for the reasons I listed and I'm ready to see the JT that we got to see in MIA for so long this season.

 

[Bizkiteer]

Springs' departure is addition by subtraction, from a locker room perspective, as I've heard from the folks I know with some inside knowledge. For the last few Seasons he's played here only because he's being paid to - there's no passion for the Redskins or the game left in him. Not the kind of Player I'd imagine a young, fresh Coach, who himself was a Player, wants around a Team he's trying to take to the next level. The phrase above: "He never had a great attitude either. Not necessarily a bad one, but something was always off for me with him.", does a nice job of summing things up.In addition to the common nickname 'Blue' bestowed upon him by his Team-mates,(interestingly derived from the idea that his skin is so dark that he's so black, he's blue), among the Coaches and Vets on the Team, over the past few years, he'd acquired a new nickname - 'Prima Donna', due to his high salary, lack of passion, and lackadaisical attitude about timely rehab, recovery and return to the field when injured.I don't mind a guy who is hesitant about coming back until he's 100%, but when he's not pushing every day to get to 100% as quickly as humanly possible, well, that's a problem. The worst of it is he was ALLOWED to acquire this attitude - this 'Sense of Entitlement', he displayed, and it was beginning to fester.Take 'Hip-Hip, HOORAY' for example: There were Players who 'got it', enjoyed the moment, and got pumped up by it. Springs had turned into the guy that just rolls his eyes and goes back to showering, getting dressed, and getting out ASAP. Being a Redskin had become 'just a job'.Call me an rugged idealist (most who know me well do just that), but I want 'Redskins Passion' first, and at least 'Football Passion' second. If you're just punching a time-card and receiving a paycheck, well, 'don't let the door hitcha where the Good Lord splitcha'.I was pretty pumped when he joined the Team, seeing as how at the time he was certainly a #1 CB, and he went to HS locally (Springbrook HS), and knew something about the 'Golden Age' of the Redskins thanks to his Dad's career, and had been an eyewitness to Gibbs 1.0, and the goings-on back in the day at RFK Stadium. Just the sentimental fool in me, I guess.The conspiracy theorist in me always had an issue with Springs, though - due to his bloodline being directly connected to Dallas Cowboy Ron Springs. There are many here among us who feel that anything Cowboys-related is anathema to the well-being of the Team.Realistically, however, Springs offered us a true #1 CB right from the start, but it became apparent fairly early in his career here that he was increasingly succeptible to injury, and as time went by, it appeared that both minor injuries were taking a bigger toll on him than expected, and his recovery period from his injuries was lengthening, rendering him a part-time Player (albeit a very good one, when healthy) at best.With Springs gone, when Haynesworth shows up in the locker room, he's going to be greeted by a Veteran Core Leadership Group comprised of Portis, Samuels, Griffin and Fletcher, among others, who have passion and want to do whatever it takes to Win. I feel much better about the Haynesworth signing and contract with Springs and his attitude out of the picture.Sadly, I'd imagine if Springs winds up with the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Ravens or Patriots, he'll be introduced to quite a different locker room environment, with strong leadership and a winning attitude already in place (well, maybe not in Dallas), and we'll likely see him perform at a higher Level in that environment than we could have hoped to have gotten out of him if he spent any more time in Washington.By the way, I'd trade our whole Draft this year for a competent GM......I'm willing to wait until OTA's begin to give them some benefit of the doubt, but I think we'd all better be ready to face the music that NO Players in the 2008 Draft Class besides Horton will have any more impact on the Team than as 'key reserves' or Special Teams contributors. If it weren't for Kelly's knees, I'd have hope for him, and I remain hopeful about Davis because I keep hearing promising things. Does Devin Thomas magically get smarter? Does Chad Rinehard regain his self-confidence? Everyone else is a project at best, and not short-term ones, at that.

Springs was a good player when healthy, as others have said, but that was the real problem as he was healthy as often as he was not. You summed up really good, nice job!

 

[Dexter Manley]

I think Evans is more help to the team than Taylor.

Completely disagree and I think your statement comes more from being disenchanted than anything else. Comparing Evans and Taylor from last year is unfair by wide margins. Evans is like a 3rd down back...yes the yds per carry go up because they are playing back in nickle and don't mind giving up 6 yds on 3rd and 18, if you get my point. Evans basically only came in on 3rd down and got to rush the passer only, makes life easier in many regards. Taylor was handicapped severely last year as he was playing LDE for the first time and was injured throughout the season. Add those two issues and that he got into our scheme late and no wonder he had his worst season ever. It still amazes me that the 'Skins defensive coaching staff took one of the best RDE's in the game and moved him to LDE...last I checked Carter wasn't all that and a bag of chips, Carter should have been the one to move and let JT play his natural position that made him the Pro-Bowl DE that everyone was used to seeing through his career. Even hurt, I liked seeing JT pursue RB's even after the LOS and try to chase them down, he rarely ever gave up and that was basically running on one leg. I give JT a mulligan on last season for the reasons I listed and I'm ready to see the JT that we got to see in MIA for so long this season.

I concur. Evans is really a tweener. Yea, he's versatile, but he's not really good at any one thing. For example, it's nice that he can move inside on passing downs to rush the passer, but he doesn't come close to holding up at the POA on running plays like Daniels does. He's the classic jack of all trades, master of none.I expect the team to move Taylor around a lot this year. I see hime playing RDE, LDE, and LB. I think a healthy Taylor will make a significant impact on defense this season, particularly now that we've got Big Al in the middle.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

I think Evans is more help to the team than Taylor.

Completely disagree and I think your statement comes more from being disenchanted than anything else. Comparing Evans and Taylor from last year is unfair by wide margins. Evans is like a 3rd down back...yes the yds per carry go up because they are playing back in nickle and don't mind giving up 6 yds on 3rd and 18, if you get my point. Evans basically only came in on 3rd down and got to rush the passer only, makes life easier in many regards. Taylor was handicapped severely last year as he was playing LDE for the first time and was injured throughout the season. Add those two issues and that he got into our scheme late and no wonder he had his worst season ever. It still amazes me that the 'Skins defensive coaching staff took one of the best RDE's in the game and moved him to LDE...last I checked Carter wasn't all that and a bag of chips, Carter should have been the one to move and let JT play his natural position that made him the Pro-Bowl DE that everyone was used to seeing through his career. Even hurt, I liked seeing JT pursue RB's even after the LOS and try to chase them down, he rarely ever gave up and that was basically running on one leg. I give JT a mulligan on last season for the reasons I listed and I'm ready to see the JT that we got to see in MIA for so long this season.

I concur. Evans is really a tweener. Yea, he's versatile, but he's not really good at any one thing. For example, it's nice that he can move inside on passing downs to rush the passer, but he doesn't come close to holding up at the POA on running plays like Daniels does. He's the classic jack of all trades, master of none.I expect the team to move Taylor around a lot this year. I see hime playing RDE, LDE, and LB. I think a healthy Taylor will make a significant impact on defense this season, particularly now that we've got Big Al in the middle.

As I said before at the Taylor-Evans thing, you can only have one guy on your line who is undersized and fast. They have Carter. With Taylor that makes two. As between Carter and Taylor, Carter costs less and is younger and more reliable physically as we found. That is the dilemma.

 

[dgreen]

From KFFL:

Redskins | Taylor released

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:04:12 -0800

Chris Mortensen, of ESPN, reports the Washington Redskins have released DE Jason Taylor.

 

[fatness]

From KFFL:

Redskins | Taylor released

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:04:12 -0800

Chris Mortensen, of ESPN, reports the Washington Redskins have released DE Jason Taylor.

I'm not surprised. When they were talking about trying him at LB it was pretty clear they'd given up on him at DE. Especially at his price.

 

[fatness]

ESPN

The Washington Redskins released defensive end Jason Taylor after both sides failed to restructure his contract.

Taylor was scheduled to make $8.5 million this season, but the team needed the cap room for a six-year, $54 million contract signed last week by cornerback DeAngelo Hall.

According to a source, Taylor was asked by the Redskins to take part in 75 percent of their offseason workouts. That would require him to be at the Redskins' facility during eight of the 13 weeks of the offseason program, three days a week.

Family took precedence over the money.

With three children, Taylor, who has a home in the Miami area, opted not to agree to the workout provisions. The team was willing to keep his restructured salary at $8.5 million, but his desire to be with his family in the offseason was more important in his life.

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Way to take it in the @55 Skins. Who will get hurt this season in training camp, and what team will get a 2nd rounder from us for 2010? Terrible Terrible Terrible!!!!!!

 

[ChrisCooleyFan]

Does this open the door for Chris Gray now?

 

[Sebowski]

Way to take it in the @55 Skins. Who will get hurt this season in training camp, and what team will get a 2nd rounder from us for 2010? Terrible Terrible Terrible!!!!!!

Has to go down as one of the worst trades ever now. Part of me was hoping they could keep him around just so he can maybe end up justifying the trade, but I am glad the FO can let go of this and move on. In the past they may have held on till the bitter, bitter end to try to save face. Good to see an ego-less move here. This leaves a big hole at DE (maybe it was there even with JT). I'm lean towards resigning Evans now opposed to Daniels. Maybe some fresh blood if there is still any out there. They might even be able to bring in an O-Lineman and a DE for that 8mil JT was eating up.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

The Taylor and Duckett moves are indicative of a second problem that the front office has regarding FA personnel moves, the first being ego. They also have made impulse buys when unexpected/unlucky things happen. In both of those two instances, a key starter was injured (Portis and Daniels) and backup players were also injured, leading the team to quickly throw together trades for players that were already on their way out the door from their present teams, and weren't a good fit for the scheme the 'Skins were running, and they overpaid for the privilege.

In both instances there was certainly some logic behind the moves, but the hastiness of them was IMHO what killed them because it caused them to overpay and gloss over the issue of how the player would fit into the scheme.

 

[fatness]

In both instances there was certainly some logic behind the moves, but the hastiness of them was IMHO what killed them because it caused them to overpay and gloss over the issue of how the player would fit into the scheme.

Agreed. Taylor could have been useful on a d-line that generated decent pressure from the tackle spot. The front office didn't take time to recognize that their team doesn't do that.

 

[Mr Capicollo]

In both instances there was certainly some logic behind the moves, but the hastiness of them was IMHO what killed them because it caused them to overpay and gloss over the issue of how the player would fit into the scheme.

Agreed. Taylor could have been useful on a d-line that generated decent pressure from the tackle spot. The front office didn't take time to recognize that their team doesn't do that.

That and they were replacing an oversized, very strong, run-stuffing LDE in Daniels with a speed-rushing greyhound of a DE in Taylor, and to make matters worse they already had an undersized DE in Carter. You can't have two such guys on the same line at the same time, and certainly not without some studs in the middle to keep the OL occupied.

 

[Bizkiteer]

The Taylor and Duckett moves are indicative of a second problem that the front office has regarding FA personnel moves, the first being ego. They also have made impulse buys when unexpected/unlucky things happen. In both of those two instances, a key starter was injured (Portis and Daniels) and backup players were also injured, leading the team to quickly throw together trades for players that were already on their way out the door from their present teams, and weren't a good fit for the scheme the 'Skins were running, and they overpaid for the privilege. In both instances there was certainly some logic behind the moves, but the hastiness of them was IMHO what killed them because it caused them to overpay and gloss over the issue of how the player would fit into the scheme.

Absolutely agree and not only in hastiness, but at a grand prices. Anytime a franchise moves a 2nd rounder, you should be getting something in return. Having JT only one year for a second rounder should would normally make one have to re-evaluate who's calling the shots and their ability to do their job effectively. Of course, this will not happen in our case. Shame that they traded such a high pick for nothing in return when all was said and done.

 

[Dexter Manley]

So the guy we paid a 2nd rounder+ for, wasn't even committed enough to the team to attend 75% of the off-season workouts? I'm glad they got this bum out of there.

What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

 

[Mr Capicollo]

So the guy we paid a 2nd rounder+ for, wasn't even committed enough to the team to attend 75% of the off-season workouts? I'm glad they got this bum out of there.

What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

It was the action and excitement he brought that will always stick with me.

 

[fatness]

What is your guys' fondest memory of the Jason Taylor era?

When he went mano a mano with the toughest DE in the league.

 

[nittanylion]

Cutting Springs and Jason Taylor? I never thought I'd see the day...

OK, so there's a long way to go before I paint sunshine and roses, but in the wake of yet another outstanding personnel move in less than a week, I've been inspired to write a lil' haiku:

Add by subtracting?

Cut losses and move forward??

Must admit I'm stunned!!!

 

[fatness]

Lots of Jason Taylor memories here, folks.

Like this.